Investigate Forensic Nursing |
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March 1, 2005
By Kathy A. Johnson
kathy.johnson@hqpublications.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Forensic nurses do everything from collecting DNA evidence from a victim of sexual assault, to testifying in court, to helping to determine a cause and time of death.
Forensic nursing combines nursing activities with some aspect of the law. Forensic nurses provide medical care for victims of sexual assault or other types of violence, work with law enforcement to collect evidence and/or testify in court, provide health care services within correctional facilities, and investigate cases of unexplained or accidental death.
Forensic nurses may work for hospitals, the coroner's or county prosecutor's office, the medical examiner's office, or may even provide health care for inmates at a correctional facility.
Education
Where you'll work will help determine what type of educational requirements will be necessary. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification, for example, is usually necessary for those who work in an emergency room setting. Certification programs and forensic nursing programs can be found at colleges and universities and online. Sometimes on-the-job training can be provided.
Forensic nursing programs often include instruction in the collection of physical evidence, physical assessment, and courtroom procedures. They also include instruction in crime scene preservation and death investigation.
Additional Abilities Needed for Forensic Nursing
In addition to nursing abilities, forensic nurses need investigative and counseling skills. They also need to be able to cope with the emotionally draining task of working with victims and/or perpetrators of violent crime or abuse. Forensic nursing can be stressful, gruesome, even frightening, but can also be a very rewarding job.
Forensic nurses care for people when they are most in need. Their compassion and professionalism under the worst of circumstances make a real difference in the lives of others. For the right type of person, forensic nursing is a career worth investigating.
About the Author
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
Sources
- http://www.forensicnurse.org
- http://www.allnursingschools.com
- http://www.nursingspectrum.com
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